Classic Coast is the original journey linking Adelaide and Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road. We certainly rewrote the book of bus tours - by combining one way travel, smaller busses, good information , accommodation choices, flexibility and fun. Don't be surprised to meet someone along the trip for a second or third time.

Day One - Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Enjoy the Great Ocean Road "off peak"!
Leaving Melbourne at 1:30pm avoids the morning "bus rush" for the coast. First stop is Bell's Beach, the world-famous surf spot. A little further, Lorne is classic seaside resort nestled between mountains and sea. Travelling the spectacular "twisty snaky" led of the Great Ocean Road, we hug the wild coastal cliffs to Apollo Bay, our nights stop. Small and remote, the "Bay" is vibrant, and blends a sprinkle of "hippy" with the feel of a real country town. Accommodation: private hostel or coastal motel.

Day Two - Apollo Bay to Port Fairy

The Great Ocean Road Works!
Our Morning explores the Otway Ranges. A favourite is Melba Gully, where a walk leads through the lush myrtle-beech rainforest to river cascades and a massive Otway Messmate tree. At Port Campbell National Park you're literally 'one the edge' - Australia's most famous rock group, the 12 Apostles is the top feature. One shipwreck further, Loch Ard Gorge has walks, lookouts, beaches, caves and awesome photo opportunities. Then Port Campbell for a picnic lunch stop, followed by London Bridge, the 'Tolkienesque' Grotto, Bay of Martylrs and Bay of Islands. At logan's Beach we watch for whales (May - October), then Tower Hill - where koalas, kangaroos and emus roam free. Our overnight at Port Fairy is a colonial time warp. Accommodation: YHA hostel, Central Motel or similar.

Day Three - Port Fairy to Beachport

And the road rolls on…
Beyond historic Portland we visit the wild and beautiful Bridgewater Bay. A local, Joe, runs a zippy zodiac boat to seal colonies under the Cape, a total adventure for a minimal fee. Nelson on the Glenelg River is a top spot for lunch. Ponds, caves and underground rivers honeycomb the Mt Gambier region. The Blue Lake is a complete surprise. Hike down into Umpherston Cave - the biggest sinkhole about. Enjoy a cliff-top walk along the craggy coastline of Canunda National Park. Bechport on Rivoli Bay is another charming fishing village. The coast is studded with classic towns!
Accommodation: Beachport Harbour Masters Cottage, Bompas of Beachport.

Day Four - Beachport to Adelaide

Dune Climbing and indigenous culture!
'Larry' one of Australia's finest fibreglass creations rears up outside Kingston. Stroll Long Beach and jump up onto the Granites, rock formations resembling whales. A minor dirt road takes us deep into Coorong National Park amongst the sand dunes and lakes. Lose your shoes for a hike up the dunes.

Local Aboriginal people run the Coorong Wilderness Lodge, it's at the end of a bumpy track and enjoys terrific water views. Our hosts lead a 'Bush Foods and Medicines' walk and prepare lunch, often featuring native foods. (if you'd like to stay over a few days, accommodation meals, walks and guided kayaking are available) Afternoon sights include: Lakes Albert and Alexndrina, pink salts lakes, a River Murray ferry crossing, expansive vineyards and the scenic Adelaide Hills. Arrive about 6:30pm outside the Adelaide Bus terminal 101 ranklin St ( can be dropped off in city centre if preferred)

Adelaide to Melbourne, itinerary reversed, arriving in Melbourne about 12:00 noon.